Many documents are created throughout a good web design process. There is certainly a lot for the competent web designer to document throughout the discovery, planning, design, integration and delivery stages of a complex web project. Not all of these documents are of interest to the client, but there are certain documents that are crucial for communication, feedback and setting realistic expectations each step of the way. It is important to present the minimum number of documents needed to ensure a successful project. Otherwise the client can easily be overwhelmed or confused.

The proper creation and presentation of web design deliverables is a key factor in an efficient and effective web design process.

The following are the standard deliverables that should be presented to a client for review and approval.

Creative Brief

I use the creative brief as an overall project definition document. It includes all the requirements and specifications of the project, including scope, audience, objective, call to action, and technical specification for the website we will be creating.

Content Outline

The content outline defines every piece of content that will appear on the website. If it isn't on the content outline, it isn't going to appear on the website. The content outline is part of the information architecure, and as such should be organized in a hierarchy that represents the structure of the website rather than a hierarchy based on arbitrary categorization of content.

Site Map

The site map represents the structure and navigation of the website and should closely coincide with the content outline. There should be a common numbering system in place. Pages are represented by boxes and links by arrows.

Wireframes

Wireframes are schematic versions of the pages on a website and should similate the final navigation, although the page layout at this point in the process is rough. Wireframes can be made into clickable web pages, allowing the client to preview the navigation of the site in action. Each wireframe should include all pieces of content that the final web page will display.

Mood Boards

Mood boards are used to define the visual style for the website, including fonts, colors, and graphics. They are much easier to put together than full mockups. They are helpful in learning the client's taste in visual style and can save a lot of time compared to going back and forth on a full mockup.

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Graphic Design

Mockups/Comps The graphic design mockup is a composite image of how the final web page will look. Color, layout, typography, and images are all worked out at this stage for each significantly different page type on the website. I should make clear that even though the composite (mockup or comp for short) looks like a web page, it is still only a single image. It is not a web page, and include no code at this point in the process. Note: It is now standard practice to provide mockups for desktop, tablet, and smartphone versions of the website.

Development Site/Prototype

During the integration/programming step of the web design process, the graphic design comps are converted into code (HTML, DHTML, CSS, scripting, database tables, etc). The site is built and tested on a domain or subdomain of a development server that has the same technical specs as the live server will have. When the site is fully functional on the development server, it is migrated to the live server. This is the final deliverable of the web design project.
Updated May 2017

Comments

This information was very helpful. It served two purposes, one it sufficed all my questions as to how a brief should look and secondly linked documents have now become a source wherein i have new and more important questions to search for..